Eslinger, Conniff Headed For Runoff

Former Sanford police Capt. Charley Fagan handily defeated former New York City police detective David Locker in the Democratic primary.

Eslinger, who was appointed sheriff in January 1991, took 11,309 votes, or 46.6 percent, in the four-person race. Conniff, who ran unsuccessfully for the office in 1988 against longtime sheriff John Polk, garnered 5,952 votes, or 24.5 percent.

The race offered two highly contrasting candidates, and voters appeared to back the hometown candidate.

Fagan ran on his record as a longtime local law enforcement officer and stressed his ties to the community. Locker campaigned on a theme of breaking the ''good ol' boy'' network at the Sheriff's Office and bringing in people with outside experience.

''The people of Seminole County want somebody who knows the area,'' Fagan said. ''I've dedicated all my life to public service to the community, and I'll continue to do so.''

Locker said his poor showing indicated the county wasn't ready for the change he offered and said he will withhold his endorsement.

''The candidate whose future plans for the county most closely match mine will get my support,'' said Locker, adding that his support won't necessarily go to Fagan.

Eslinger's three challengers accused the 35-year-old sheriff of playing favorites and managing by intimidation.

Two grand jury probes involving Eslinger became public during the campaign, including one that accused Eslinger of falsely arresting an undercover drug agent in October 1990 to avoid political embarrassment.

The grand jury report, involving Oviedo Police officer Gene Taylor, was made public about three weeks before the primary.

Eslinger said he refused to participate in mud-slinging during the campaign, choosing instead to run on his record.